The meeting was hosted by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in coordination with the Korean Organizing Committee (a Committee established by both The Ministry of Environment of the Korean Government and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province). This was an excellent opportunity for a group of IUCN Councilors to visit the venue of the next World Conservation Congress that will take place from 6-15 September 2012.

Key discussions focused on the Congress structure and the design of the Forum, in addition to various updates on Congress Preparations.

On the first day of the meeting, an interesting and lively discussion took place between the Committee members and 10 high-school students from Jeju, giving the young people the opportunity to better understand the 2012 World Conservation Congress objectives, IUCN activities and conservation in general. This was followed by a Presentation from the Jeju Provincial Council.

The Host Country, represented by the Korean Organizing Committee and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, also provided a detailed update on their plans and expectations.

The outcomes of the meeting will be reported to the IUCN Council, taking place in Gland, Switzerland from 23 to 25 May 2011.

Call for Contributions

N.B The online Call for Contributions for Forum sessions will commence mid-May. Please visit www.iucn.org/congress to submit a proposal.